Top musicians play fundraiser for Celtic Music Radio - p4
Latest Open Project Funding - p3 :: SNJO bring Spirit of Django to Scotland - p8

Young People To The Fore At Blas
The Blas Festival begins today
(Friday 1 September) offering a
9-day taste of Highland culture
in venues across the Highlands
and some of the islands.
In its 13th year the festival, devised by The
Highland Council and run in partnership with
Fèisean nan Gàidheal, is not site-based but
uniquely aims to work with local promoters to
bring good quality music, song, drama and
poetry to communities across the Highlands,
offering visitors and locals an experience of
Gaelic language and culture. As well as 35 main
concerts, some of the artistes appearing at the
festival will visit care homes to perform for
residents and organisers Fèisean nan Gàidheal
have put together a range of drama and music
events in schools across the Highland Council
area during the festival.
Young people are at the heart of the festival. As
well as young musicians getting the opportunity
to perform alongside their musical heroes, in a
bid to encourage them to enjoy live events
schools pupils can get a ticket to any Blas event
for just £5. Two Highland Fèisean – Fèis na hÒige in Inverness and Fèis Lochabair in Fort
William – will be celebrating 25 years of
providing cultural learning opportunities for
young people in their communities. A new
Drama air Chuairt (Drama Trail) initiative funded
by Bòrd na Gàidhlig has offered four young
Gaelic actors the opportunity to work alongside a
professional director and they will go on to
perform a new play written by Catriona Lexy
Campbell during Blas. The group will visit Gaelic
schools and there will be two public events in
Inverness and Skye.
Blas runs from 1 to 9 September and features a
great line-up of traditional musicians and
singers. The festival will also honour four icons
on Gaelic culture – Fergie MacDonald, Morag
Macleod, Finlay MacLeod and Kenna Campbell –
in specially–curated events marking the 80th
birthday of individuals who have done so much
to promote Gaelic heritage. The legacy of one of
Gaelic culture’s foremost collectors of song, Rev
William Matheson, will be celebrated in four
special concerts – Dìleab Uilleim - featuring a
range of Gaelic singers including Rachel Walker,
Robert Robertson, Linda MacLeod, Alasdair
Whyte, Eilidh Cormack, Christine Primrose and
Allan MacDonald along with Tide Lines’ Ross
Wilson and broadcaster Jo MacDonald.
Details of all events, as well as how to buy
tickets, can be found at the festival website
below.

Appearing at Blas on 9 September with her
'Trio' is Mischa Macpherson - 'BBC Radio 2
Young Folk Award' winner and 'Gaelic
Singer of the Year' @ Scots Trad Music
Awards :: www.facebook.com/mischamacp

34 Open Project Funding awards of between £1,075 and
£120,000 made in July for cultural activity across Scotland
Details of the Open Project Fund and other Creative Scotland funding can be found @
www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-project-funding
£700,000 National Lottery funding
through Creative Scotland’s Open
Project Fund has been awarded to 34
recipients, including individual
musicians, artists, a breakdancing crew,
writers, theatre makers, festivals and
organisations working across the arts,
screen and creative industries.
A cross section of projects and individuals with a
musical slant receiving funding in July 2017
includes the following:
Eigg-based Lost Map Records have received
funding to deliver Lost Map’s Visitations, a new
series of releases with material generated from
artists taking part in a residency programme on
the island.

Inkfields is a musical
creation inspired by one
mans journey across
the globe. SingerSongwriter Samuel
James-Griffiths dropped
all other forms of
employment at the end
of 2015 to become a
full-time Artist. New
single 'Sky On The
Loose' is available now.
www.facebook.com/inkfields

Musician and composer Paul McGeechan has
received funding to record Earth Bound a
collection of songs and compositions, a
combination of original works and new
interpretations of traditional Gaelic song.

particularly in this corner of Dumfries & Galloway
with a thinly but widely spread population. The
arts are vital to health and wellbeing in such
communities providing new shared experiences
and bringing new perspectives on the world. The
Funding awarded to Electric Voice Theatre will arts add considerably to the local economy in
terms of increased visitors and continue to be
go towards Scottish Superwoman of Science cited as a reason that young families are moving
Minerva Scientifica, a music-theatre piece
to the area. The CatStrand Arts project means
created in collaboration between women
that high quality performances, events and
scientists and women composers.
exhibitions can happen in the Glenkens and that
Indie-rock artist Inkfields and singerartists can be properly remunerated for their
songwriter Alex Rex both received funding to
work. It allows us to put on a diverse
record new material.
programme ranging in scope from the
internationally renowned to the locally
Funding awarded to Eastgate Theatre and
blossoming and this has a huge impact on our
Arts Centre in Peebles is being used towards
growing community.”
the programming of the Creative Peebles
Festival 2017 (25 August- 3 September 2017).
Scottish breakdancing crew Flyin’ Jalapenos
An annual event celebrating the wealth of
has received funding to host their 15th
creative work by artists in the Scottish borders, anniversary celebration including a weekend of
the festival features music, drama, dance,
events showcasing their work and highlighting
poetry, film, visual arts, walks, workshops and
the Scottish hip-hop scene. Dance battle
an outdoor participatory musical in the town
competitions featuring local and international
centre.
dancers from UK, Europe and Canada, will fun
alongside workshops and a panel discussions, as
Dumfries and Galloway-based multi-arts venue
well as DJs and live musical performances from
CatStrand has received funding to support its
2017-18 tenth anniversary arts programme. The international and homegrown hip-hop artists.
programme will include contemporary music,
visual arts, live theatre and filmmaking.

Simon Davidson, Creative Director,
CatStrand said: “2017 sees the 10th
Anniversary of CatStrand.The arts are so
important to rurally remote areas and

extraordinary filmmaking at the Scottish Queer
International Film Festival to artists and makers
creating remarkable experiences for
communities in the Scottish Borders and dancers
and theatremakers exploring mental health. All
these awards will enable audiences across
Scotland the opportunity to engage with and be
inspired by creative activities. While, as always,
there are many more good applications than we
have the funds to support, these latest awards
do provide invaluable support to the successful
applicants and we look forward to seeing their
work develop as a result.”
Open Project Funding is available to a wide
range of organisations and individuals working
across Scotland in the arts, screen and creative
industries. It supports a broad spectrum of
activity including creative and professional
development, research and development,
production, small capital requirements, touring
and collaborations, festivals, arts programming,
audience development, etc. A full list of activities
supported through this route is set out in the
Open Project Funding application guidance.
Support is available for projects of different scale
and duration with the maximum period of award
being set at 2 years. Awards are made in the
range £1,000 to £100,000 (or up to £150,000 by
exception).

“We are delighted to have been able to support www.creativescotland.com
such a wide range of artistic practice throughout https://twitter.com/CreativeScots
Scotland in July through Open Project Funding.
www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
From a celebration of breakdancing,

Dawnings is the new project from Glasgow based singer/
songwriter Louise Quinn and producer Bal Cooke. It
combines retro electronics with countrified guitar and
melancholic reverb soaked vocals. Released on 2 June .

music news scotland

Top Scots For Celtic
Music Radio Fundraiser
Buy tickets now @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-marchtown-prophets-support-tickets-36801891448

Four of Scotland’s top
musicians have formed a
band to play a one-off
special show in Glasgow to
raise funds for volunteer-led
Celtic Music Radio 95FM.

Back of the Moon. In demand as a session musician,
she was the MG BBC Alba Young Scottish Traditional
Musician of the Year in 2001 and in 2012 she was
awarded Music Tutor of the Year at the Scots
Traditional Music Awards.
In 2016, Gillian released her first solo album,
“Pendulum” that features outstanding performances
by Anna Massie, Euan Burton, Phil Hague and Adam
Holmes.

Jill Jackson is an award-winning Americana artist
based in Glasgow. She first burst on to the UK music
The Marchtown Prophets – Gillian Frame, Jill
scene as the front woman of rock band Speedway,
Jackson, Findlay Napier and Rab Noakes – will appear with whom she scored several UK top ten hits in 2004
at The Glad Café on Glasgow’s southside on Sunday, including a cover of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Genie In A
26 November in aid of the charitable status
Bottle’.
community radio station.
She has toured with artists such as Bryan Adams,
Celtic Music Radio 95FM promotes all genres of music Rod Stewart, Albert Lee, Roger McGuinn as well as
and in particular new, upcoming unsigned and selfwriting for former Spice Girl Melanie C. Over the
released music. It opened new studios in Admiral
years Jill has released a total of three solo albums
Street earlier this year so it’s hoped this special gig
including the hugely-successful limited edition, hard
will be a major boost to funds.
copy-only album ‘The Ones That Got Away’.
Rab Noakes is a force to be reckoned with in the
world of music in Scotland and beyond. In May this
year, he turned 70 and is celebrating his 50th
anniversary in the business.

www.lizjonessings.co.uk

ADRIANA SPINA

Liz Jones is an Edinburgh based singer/songwriter and
Broken Windows is her debut album with her highly respected band members. It sits happily in rock/blues/jazz
territory with songs about love, life and making music.

This led to the formation of a new project band, The
Chaplins, winners of the prestigious Celtic
Connections’ Danny Kyle Open Stage Award in 2014.
Last year, she emerged as a solo artist and her fourth
Rab, who has been honoured by Nordoff-Robbins with solo studio album is expected early in 2018.
Support acts are the upcoming, teenage singer/
a Tartan Clef Award for Contribution to Music, he
songwriter, Lisa Kowalski from Paisley and the tentoured, mainly solo last year, promoting his double
piece old time, country and bluegrass band, The
CD, “I’m Walkin’ Here” and then released this year,
Arkansas Ramblers.
following treatment for tonsillar cancer, “The
Treatment Tapes EP”. And now out is his double-CD, Chair of the station, Alex Jenkins, said: “Celtic
“Bridging the Gaps” containing the 1972 album ‘Rab
Music Radio 95FM is run by a dedicated team of
Noakes’, 1978’s ‘Restless’ and the 1980 album ‘Rab volunteers and is funded largely by listener and
Noakes’.
supporter donations.
Rab said: “Celtic Music Radio is a special station that
gives tremendous backing to many, many musicians,
up and coming and established, through its
programmes and outside broadcasts. “We’re all really
pleased to play at this fund raiser and give the folks
at the station our support.”

www.adrianaspina.com

TOP FLOOR TAIVERS

Adriana 's second album is more raw and guitar-driven
that its predecessor. This features Ross McFarlane (Texas,
The Proclaimers) on drums, ... with themes from lost love
and infidelity to atheism and the refugee crisis. Cracking!

Findlay Napier is one of the most highly-regarded
performers and creative forces on the Scottish music
scene who made his name touring and recording with
multi-award winning traditional Scottish folk band
Back of the Moon. Findlay recently released a CD of
songs about Glasgow his home for 17 years and it is
from there the band’s name comes – Marchtown is
the original name of the village on the site that is now
Strathbungo.
Gillian Frame is a professional Scottish fiddle player
and educator based in Glasgow who has worked with
many acts and was a founding member of the band

“We are delighted that such a cracking group of
hugely talented and well respected musicians has
agreed to come forward to support us in this way. We
are really grateful to them and to the award-winning
Glad Café for generously hosting the show.”
GIGnotes .....
Sunday 26 November, Celtic Music Radio 95FM
Fundraiser @ The Glad Cafe, Pollokshaws Road,
Glasgow. The Marchtown Prophets, featuring
Gillian Frame, Jill Jackson, Findlay Napier and Rab
Noakes. Tickets are just £10 each and available from
the link above.
Follow Celtic Music radio on their social media for
news of future house concerts!

www.celticmusicradio.net
https://twitter.com/celt95fm

www.facebook.com/celticmusicradio95FM

www.topfloortaivers.com
Top Floor Taivers debut album interweaves traditional
Scottish, contemporary and original songs and tunes,
influenced by the band member's respective home nations
and pushing the boundaries of folk. Catch them on tour!

THINK YOUR
NEW RELEASE
IS GOOD ENOUGH
TO APPEAR HERE?
To be considered for our
'What's Hot' spot send your
new album/ep/single to:
MNS Top 4,
MUSIC NEWS Scotland
Romar House, Birgham,
Berwickshire. TD12 4NF

SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE ............
Member's Profile :: TOM HARROLD
"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"

Scottish
composer Tom
Harrold was born
in 1991 and is a
recent graduate
of the Royal
Northern College
of Music, where
he was a Radcliffe
Trust Scholar
under the
tutelage of
Professors Gary
Carpenter, Adam
Gorb and Dr
David Horne.
Described as “brazen…bold…confident” [The
Guardian], “thumpingly rhythmical” [The
Financial Times], and “packed with incessant
energy” [The Scotsman], Tom’s music has
been performed across five continents at
venues which include the Royal Albert, Berlin
Philharmonic, Cadogan, Queen Elizabeth, and
Bridgewater Halls, the Maison Symphonique de
Montréal, Western Australian Academy of
Performing Arts, Universidad Nacional de
Colombia, Kings Place, the Purcell Room, and
St John’s Smith Square by groups which
include the BBC Scottish Symphony, BBC
Symphony, Bournemouth Symphony, Scottish
Chamber, Aurora, and Birmingham Festival
Orchestras, WorldBrass, Onyx Brass,
SuperBrass, Total Brass, Manchester
Camerata, the Edinburgh Quartet, the Maxwell
Quartet, Psappha, the Lancashire Sinfonietta,
Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, the
Endymion Ensemble, Trinity Boys Choir, the
BBC Singers, and Exaudi.
His music has been recorded by Linn Records
and Bayerischer Rundfunk, and broadcast
internationally across many networks.

www.scottishmusiccentre.com/tom-harrold/

Tom’s recent engagements include a European
tour of Skirll by WorldBrass (which included a
repeat performance at the Berlin
Philharmonie), Silent Shores for the Edinburgh
Quartet, Darkened Dreams (a Proms
commission that was broadcast live
simultaneously on Radios 3 and 4), Nightfires,
a BBC SSO commission that was described as
“…among the most exciting pieces by a
Scottish composer in the last 25 years…” [the
Herald], and Raze, which opened the last night
of the BBC Proms.
Tom’s upcoming engagements include a new
work for the BBC Singers and Pro Coro
Canada, a dance project with the London
Mozart Players, a large-scale choral work for
Glasgow University to mark the end of WWI,
and a commission for the Scottish Chamber
Orchestra’s 2017/18 season.
Tom graduated from the RNCM with a Bachelor
with Honours in 2013, and a Masters with
Distinction in 2015.
He was awarded the Soroptomist International
for Composers Award and an RNCM Gold
Medal, the highest award bestowed by the

College. Tom is grateful to have received
sponsorship from Dewar Arts Awards, the
Scottish International Education Trust, the
RVW Trust, Caird Travelling Scholarships, the
Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and the
Cross Trust during his studies.
Tom was recently appointed an Honorary
Associate Artist of the College.
Prior to the RNCM, Tom was a BBC Proms /
Guardian Young Composer winner, shortlisted
twice by the NCEM / BBC Radio 3 Young
Composers’ Award, and highly commended in
the First International Competition for Choral
Scores (ISCM / EC / JMI).
Tom broke a Guinness World Record for his
work Ticcatoccatina, for the greatest number of
musicians performing on one piano at one
time.

Check out Tom's upcoming gigs @
www.tomharrold.net/upcoming

www.tomharrold.net

www.twitter.com/tomharrold1991
www.soundcloud.com/tom-harrold/

"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"

www.scottishmusiccentre.com : https://twitter.com/scottishmusic : www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre
The Scottish Music Centre currently supports in excess of 100 composer, group/small business and corporate members.
Offering a wealth of advantages, initiatives include the bi-monthly Composers' Digest and Exposed Melodies podcast series,
regular networking events and notification of valuable opportunities, extensive publicity
and increased correspondence with national companies, chamber ensembles, soloists and festivals.

The Scottish National Jazz
Orchestra (SNJO) directed
by Tommy Smith present
IN THE SPIRIT OF DJANGO
featuring MARTIN TAYLOR on guitar

It's swing time in September as the SNJO
welcomes renowned guitarist Martin Taylor
to celebrate the extraordinary music of
gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt, one of
the most perennially popular figures in jazz.
This remarkable concert series will celebrate pioneering music that was pivotal to the
evolution of jazz in Europe, and personified the strength of one man’s indomitable spirit.
Everyone knows the sound of a gypsy jazz guitar, but Django Reinhardt played the
instrument like no one else.
Django’s understanding of melody was innate, and the fluidity of his playing, despite severe
paralysis in two fingers of his left hand, has ensured his status as a guitar hero. Django
Reinhardt’s artistry has inspired professional guitarists for more than seventy years, and his
musical legacy has endured long after his premature death in 1953. Indeed, ‘Gypsy Jazz’ is a
jazz form that is virtually synonymous with his name.
Martin Taylor is widely recognised as a leading interpreter of Django Reinhardt’s music, not
least through his Spirit of Django projects and his prior artistic association with Stephane
Grappelli. Taylor’s own Roma heritage provides an obvious spiritual connection to the music,
but his precise style and cultured approach to improvisation are both virtuosic and
thoroughly modern.
These concerts are an opportunity to hear how Reinhardt’s timeless melodies can be reborn
through re-invention without ever losing original character or appeal. New arrangements by
some of the SNJO’s closest collaborators will clothe some of Django's best and least known
tunes in layers of orchestral jazz. These fresh charts by Florian Ross, Christian Jacob,
Geoffrey Keezer, Martin Kershaw and Bill Dobbins also give free spirited improvisation a
starring role.
The SNJO and Martin Taylor will reach into the Django’s legacy and bring an orchestral
sheen to familiar treasures from Reinhardt repertoire. In fact, Django made several big band
recordings in the 1940’s, and they are fondly referenced here with sophisticated refinement
and polished modernity. The programme also includes original compositions by Martin
Taylor, as well as his arrangement of a wonderful song written as a piece for solo guitar by
Marguerite Monnot.
Tommy Smith once more directs the SNJO through the twists and turns of joyous music that
lived in the moment and lives on today as one of the happiest sounds in jazz music. Perhaps
that is why the Spirit of Django has lived on from one century to the next, and still appeals
to everyone, everywhere.
GIGnotes .....
Friday 22nd September: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness 01463 234234
Saturday 23rd September: Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh 0131 668 2019
Sunday 24th September: The City Halls, Glasgow 0141 353 8000
(All concerts start at 7.30pm but are preceded by a pre-performance talk at 6.45 pm)
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is supported by Creative Scotland

www.snjo.co.uk

https://twitter.com/SNJO2
www.facebook.com/theSNJO

View all the MNS digital
publications from links at
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

trailblazing to Nashville’s Americanafest
plus new record label, single and tour news

2017 is turning into quite
a year for acclaimed
Scottish troubadour
Dean Owens. He is
delighted to be returning
to one of his favourite
cities – Nashville, USA –
in September 2017, as
the first Scottish
musician to be invited to
officially showcase at the
prestigious
Americanafest
(organised by the
Americana Music
Association). His trip is
supported by PRS
Foundation’s
International Showcase
Fund and the Saltire
Society.

Americanafest is the key event in the global
Americana music calendar, bringing together
fans and music industry professionals alike,
offering six days of celebration through
seminars, panels and networking opportunities
by day, and raw, intimate showcases each night.
The lineup includes legendary artists and the
next generation of rising stars.

Americanafest website
http://americanamusic.org/home
Dean: It’s a huge honour to be invited to
showcase at this amazing event, and to be flying
the flag for Scottish roots music, alongside some
of my musical heroes.
Dean has recently signed with up and coming UK
record label At The Helm Records who will
release his next album (Southern Wind, his 7th
official release) in Feb 2018. Southern Wind was
recorded in Nashville, with the same team who
produced his widely acclaimed 2015 release,
Into the Sea, including producer Neilson
Hubbard (currently working with Jason Isbell and
John Prine) and award winning guitarist (and
long term collaborator) Will Kimbrough (recently
on tour as one of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt
Boys band).
Dean Owens is regarded one of Scotland’s finest
singer songwriters, with fans including Bob
Harris, Ricky Ross, Irvine Welsh and Russell
Brand. His songs including Raining in Glasgow
and Man From Leith have been hailed as classics
of Scottish songwriting.

Southern Fried Festival’s finale concert Scotland
Sings Canada (with an allstar lineup including
Justin Currie, James Grant and Karine Polwart).
At the end of August Dean was delighted to be
invited on tour with Grant Lee Phillips (of Grant
Lee Buffalo (Fuzzy, Mockingbirds), and the
popular TV show Gilmore Girls), with gigs at
Borderline (London), Whelan’s (Dublin) and
Cyprus Avenue (Cork), opening for the US singer
and joining him on stage for several numbers.

Dean’s plans for the rest of the year include
Glasgow Americana Festival and a special date
at Eden Court, Inverness to commemorate the
100th anniversary of the passing of his lion
tamer great great grandfather (buried in
Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness) – who
Summer 2017 saw him performing at various UK migrated to Scotland from Italy, with a travelling
festivals, including Maverick, Tiree and as part of circus and a dancing bear.
He will finish the year on tour with award
winning Liverpool singer-songwriter Robert
Vincent and indie pop duo, the Worry Dolls, as
part of a Nashville style touring Roots in the
Round Songwriters Circle.
Meanwhile he is releasing a brand new single 10 Miles to Saturday Night - on Friday 8 Sep.
Recorded at Slate Room Studio (Pencaitland),
with his Whisky Hearts band (Jim McDermott
(drums), Brian McAlpine (keys), Craig Ross
(gtr), Mike McCann (bass) and Amy Geddes
(fiddle)), it tells the story of a loner with the
“bad road blues” - with a typically catchy chorus.
(Video here: https://youtu.be/x3V9687Kud8 )

Passengers invited to lead Scotland’s
national orchestra at Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport asked its
passengers to conduct
themselves with flair and élan
on 31 August, when the Royal
Scottish National Orchestra
(RSNO) invited willing
journey-makers to take to the
podium and lead the ensemble
in their chosen tune.
Prior to Scotland's national orchestra performing at the transport hub the
RSNO were asking all those passing through the airport to voice their
interest in conducting the 50-strong ensemble through social media.
RSNO Assistant Conductor Holly Mathieson was on hand to give guidance
to the budding baton-wielders.
Glasgow Airport also hosted a poll on its Facebook page to pick the piece
RSNO musicians Susannah Lowdon (Violin) and Lance Green
of music to be performed by the RSNO that ten lucky passengers will get
(Trombone) with British Airways check in staff Linda Friel
to conduct. The choices were: Overture from Rossini's William Tell (Theme
from The Lone Ranger); Montagues and Capulets from Prokofiev's Romeo
and Juliet (theme from The Apprentice) and Scottish ceilidh favourite
“A performance from the country’s national orchestra is the perfect way to
Eightsome Reels.
bring to a close what has been a fantastic Best of Scotland campaign.”
RSNO Assistant Conductor Holly Mathieson: "There's nothing to
In addition to conducting one of the world’s most famous orchestras,
compare with the thrill of leading a large professional orchestra playing
the music you love. It's my pleasure to invite passengers to take my place participants each received a goodie bag courtesy of Glasgow Airport and
on the podium and bring one of Scotland's busiest international gateways the RSNO, and the apprentice conductor deemed the most proficient won
vouchers to spend in the airport’s retail and catering outlets.
to life with the sound of music."
Steven Marshall, Head of Airline Marketing and Development at
Glasgow Airport: “The Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s annual
performance is one of the highlights of the year for both the terminal
team and of course our passengers.

For more information on RSNO concerts and events visit the links below.

On Friday 8
September Alt-Folk
band The Deadly
Winters release
their 3rd album,
'Ravynstoun'.

Welcome to Folk-Rock at its finest. Creative 5piece The Deadly Winters play some of the
freshest, original and story-based music on the
scene today. Completely immersive listening
from the first few seconds and an onstage
presence that demands attention!
The album comes on the back of 2015’s critically
acclaimed EP, Table In The Corner (“Sunny,
good-time vibes, immediately catchy hooks and
a chorus to holler” - fRoots Magazine; “A serious
prospect for both daytime radio and mainstream
festivals” - Scotland On Sunday)
‘Ravynstoun’ boasts all the hallmarks of Chris
Blair's songwriting talents: well-constructed
melodies and lovingly crafted stories, part Folk-

‘Ravynstoun’ boasts all the hallmarks of Chris Blair's songwriting talents: wellconstructed melodies and lovingly crafted stories, part Folk-Rock, part Americana, with
tales of sorrow, love, war and debauchery, in a very catchy, foot-tapping way.

Rock, part
Americana, with
tales of sorrow,
love, war and
debauchery, in a
very catchy, foottapping way.
2017 will see the
band perform
across the country’s width and length, bringing
their exciting and finest-to-date material to an
ever expanding audience.
The Deadly Winters released their debut album
in 2011 and since then are steadily raising
people’s awareness of how Folk-Music can still
advance with the times.
The Deadly Winters re-define the term ‘folkrock’, and take you on musical travels through
tales of love, pain, sorrow, joy and friendship.
The five-piece know their audience and know
their stories well, bringing to the stage an
emotive musicality that goes beyond an ordinary
performance. You get a real story with these
guys, a story that blossoms and erupts beneath
and around intricate and well-constructed
melodies.

Time to Fly is an album of
the moment – the moment
when you find your own
space and have the
confidence to fill it; the
moment when you’re ready

to go and your heart sings;
the moment when your
losses turn to gains and
your stories can be told.
Fiona Kennedy will
surprise you.

Fiona with Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code she sings a duet with Ross on her new single

Fiona Kennedy
collaborates
with some of
America’s and
Scotland’s
finest
songwriters,
including Beth
Nielsen
Chapman,
Marcus
Hummon, Calum MacColl and Ross Wilson (aka
Blue Rose Code).
Fresh twists on classic Nashville songs and new
songs woven together to tell a story of life. Fiona
Kennedy’s life path has been an unusual one –
from being a child performer with her musician
parents, through TV, broadcasting, acting,
motherhood and a singing career of her own.
Her experiences may be unique but the
emotional highs and lows are universal and she
delivers her myriad stories straight from the
heart. Time to Fly is therapy without the
therapist and as honest a story as you can tell.
Recorded by legendary record producer Calum
Malcolm (The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout, Mark
Knopfler) with an all-star cast of co-writers and
musicians: Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marcus
Hummon, songwriter, guitarist & backing vocalist
Calum MacColl (Eddi Reader, Black, Peggy
Seeger), bass player Simon Edwards (Talk Talk,
Beth Gibbons, Fairground Attraction), drummer
Harry Mead (Dagny, Union J, Ronan Keating) and
fiddle & whistle player John McCusker (Danny
Thompson, Kate Rusby, Paul Weller).
PLUS! New single coming 8 September.
The first single from Fiona's new album will be a
double 'A' side of 'Down The Line' written by
Fiona and Calum MacColl, and a cover of the
wonderful 'Always On My Mind' sung as a duet
with Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code.

got a music news "story to tell"? then email our newsdesk: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

SKIPINNISH :: Riding an Ever-growing Wave
Glasgow Gig + December Tour @ www.skipinnish.com/live
Having come storming back from the
edge of existence when they lost
their former lead singer in 2016,
Highland band Skipinnish are
powering through their biggest year
yet. In the 18year history of the
band their current popularity is
unprecedented and is growing at an
accelerating rate.
Having started the year with their hit single
“Alive” which they followed with the Album, The
Seventh Wave, the magic of this band’s music
and self penned songs are enchanting more and

more people from Scotland and across the world venue they have
all the time.
appeared at in
2017 including
On the 22 September, they will play to a full
Eden Court, in
house at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom in
Inverness, The
Glasgow. The gig sold out in record time back in
Queens Hall in
May with the first 600 early-bird tickets selling in
Edinburgh, The
less than 10 minutes of release! Supporting
Lemon Tree in
Skipinnish are “Leo and Anto”, a duo comprising
Aberdeen, The
of Leo Moran of the Saw Doctors and Anthony
Albert Halls in
Thistlethwaite of the Waterboys. Also joining the
Stirling and many
band are long time collaborators Rachel Walker
others in all areas of the country from
and Archie McAlister as well as some surprise
Stornoway, in the Western Isles, Strathy in the
guests only to be revealed on the night.
far North and Biggar in the Scottish Borders.
As well as headlining some of the UK’s biggest
Already all the early-bird tickets for the band’s
festivals, Skipinnish have sold out every single
busy December tour are sold-out and
anticipation is running high for the main tickets
being released.
Skipinnish are on the crest of wave and that
wave is growing bigger and more powerful with
every performance. How far the band’s
popularity will continue to grow is difficult to
predict, but the Barrowland performance will be
one of the biggest nights for traditional music
this year and will be an exciting indicator to the
band’s future.

Hip Hop Artist/
DJ /Producer and
pioneer of the
Scottish music
scene Nasty P is
back - or is he?

Rich Mundi is the upcoming L.P from the awardwinning producer Nasty P, and where his
critically acclaimed album The Story so Far
represented heavyweight hip-hop with guest
verses from the likes of Akil from Jurassic 5,
Skinnyman, and rhymester Oddisee, this is a
more schizophrenic affair from his darker alter
ego - Rich Mundi - fusing hip-hop, electronica,
RnB, festival bumpers and trippy instrumental
jams.
Since dropping his last album Nasty has
immersed himself in a hectic DJ schedule
including sets at practically every venue in
Scotland, performances at Outlook festival
Croatia, supports with hip-hop big hitters
including Dead Prez, KRS 1, Talib Kweli, Rakim,
and Earl Sweatshirt, not to mention Sub Motion

Orchestra, the
dub influenced
Jungle, and
UK legend
Roots
Manuva. In
between he
has found the
time to record
and perform
as one half of
electronic duo
Future Kid and
was even asked to support Jamie Cullem
personally after Jamie heard his soul-inspired
production for singer and collaborator, Naledi
With all this experimentation it should come as
no surprise that Nasty is pushing boundaries this
time round - although he has still managed to set
things off with an almighty collab with some
major names in hip-hop!
First single, the hip hop banger no tellin’ features
the star-studded line up of Termanology, Reks,
Ed O.G and Akrobatik!, while Round again has a
more stripped-down sound featuring M.A.D from
Groove Armada’s “Superstylin” fame. As the
album progresses it moves from a solid hip-hop
foundation to the more experimental and
booming 808 gospel rhythms of “One more time”
and the slow but pulsating “Truth Story”.
All of which makes for an intro a bit of a Dr
Jeckyll & Mr Hyde journey, but who’d expect
anything less from this Edinburgh-based
beatsmith?
The 12-track album set to be one of the most
exciting and eclectic Scottish releases of 2017,
so to those who already know Nasty P, it’s good
to have you back, and to those who want to
discover more, welcome to the whacked-out
world of Rich Mundi!

After many years as a well-known face on the
band circuit, Bob Leslie’s re-invention of himself as
an acoustic performer resulted in two well-received
Americana CDs - In a Different World (2010) and
Fat Cat (2011) - and a re-launch onto the folk
circuit. There, his highly-crafted songs - some
serious, some very funny indeed - had audiences
showing lively appreciation. However, more and
more, Bob found himself drawn to the challenge of
writing in a more traditional Scottish vein - a
medium, as it turned out, ideal for a musical storyteller.

Paul Anderson from Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is one of
Scotland’s finest traditional fiddle players and The High
Summit is his third album of self penned music and song. Like
The Singing Land and Land of the Standing Stones before it,
The High Summit celebrates the history, landscape and
people of Paul’s beautiful North-East homeland. Joining Paul
on The High Summit are a group of exceptional artists, highly
respected in their own right and adding their own touch of
magic to the album. Shona Donaldson on vocals (Scots Singer
of the Year 2009 and first female winner of the Bothy Ballad
Champion of Champions), Tony McManus on guitar (worldrenowned Scottish guitarist now based in Canada), Malcolm
Jones on guitar and accordion (Runrig), Ale Carr on Cittern
(Dreamer’s Circus), Ali Napier on keyboards (Miami Vince and
former member of the Dougie MacLean Band) and James
Gorgon on percussion (Albany show band and The Cutting
Edge).

album / cd / Release Date: 8 September
Captain Glen’s Comfort is the much awaited debut
album from one of the folk scene’s fastest rising bands,
Pons Aelius. Due out on September the 8th, the album
showcases the sextet’s expansive sound and unique
approach to the traditional music of Britain and beyond;
from fiery bagpipe jigs to tender mandolin fronted
soundscapes, and everything in between. Since winning
a prestigious Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award in
their early days, Pons Aelius have spent the last two
years tirelessly honing their sound on stages both at
home and abroad, quickly earning themselves a
reputation as one of the most exciting new names on
the circuit.
Listen/Watch:
www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/videos
Available from:
www.birnamcdshop.com
Live dates:
www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/gigs
www.ponsaeliusmusic.com
www.facebook.com/ponsaeliusmusic
https://twitter.com/ponsaeliusmusic

album / cd
Release Date: 25 July

Land and Sea is the result: twelve narrative songs,
their subjects ranging from the Highland
Clearances to a Stromness witch who told Walter
Scott a few tales. Bob is accompanied by some of
the brightest talents on the Scottish folk scene.
Available from:
www.birnamcdshop.com
www.bobleslie.scot

Brave About It is the new ep from
Alex Tronic which features Shuna
Lovelle. It is currently on rotation on
Chill FM with radio support from DJs
such as Jamie Porteous at Ibiza
Global and Jim Gellatly at
Amazing Radio
Listen/Watch:
www.alextronicrecords.co.uk
Available from:
www.alextronicrecords.co.uk
Live dates:
Ibiza Dj Sets in September
www.alextronic.co.uk
www.twitter.com/AlexTroniclabel
www.soundcloud.com/alex-tronic-records

Ultras

album
vinyl / download / stream
Release Date: out now
With 6 producers and 9 musicians across 12
tracks, ULTRAS is the brainchild of songwriter
Gav Prentice, formerly of euphoric pop duo Over
the Wall. Describing the project as "violent pop
for the patronised", ULTRAS combines elements
of rock, electronica, folk, and hip-hop, the
collaborative nature of the album inspired by the
latter genre's sonically chopped-up mixtape
culture.
Listen/Watch:
http://ULTRASband.com as a hub for all of the
various sites you can listen.
Available from:
https://hellothor.bandcamp.com/album/ultras
Also available in LP Records and Love Music in
Glasgow and VoxBox Music in Edinburgh and to
stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal et al.
Live dates:
http://ULTRASband.com
http://ULTRASband.com
www.facebook.com/ULTRASband
https://twitter.com/ULTRASband

EP
download / stream
Release Date: 1 June
Four live tracks trailing Dave Arcari’s forthcoming
Live at Memorial Hall album which is released on
1 September on double 180g coloured vinyl,
special edition digipak CD and download/
streaming formats. These tracks do not feature
on the vinyl or CD format releases and are
exclusive to this digital EP.
Listen/Watch:
One Side Blind:
https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0
Stagolee:
https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0
Available from:
FREE via
https://davearcari.com/free-download-live-ep/
or paid from:

This is the first solo recording from the front man,
songwriter and producer of Scottish alt.country,
powerpop band, Dropkick. These songs were written at
This album embraces all that was great about the
various points in the last 15 years and draw upon a
golden days of the scottish folk scene in the 1960s/70s.
variety of influences, mixing pop, alternative rock and
It is a catalogue of some of the best and most popular
Americana. The album was recorded in Dropkick’s
songs of the time written by folk legends such as Ewan
Edinburgh studio with all instruments and vocals being
MacColl, Alex Campbell, Hamish Henderson, Matt
performed and recorded by Andrew.
McGinn, Archie Fisher, Jim McLean and Mary
Brookesbank.
Listen/Watch:
https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/
Also Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott have a song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f58_l7S3k
each on the album. A quartet of four of Scotland’s most www.rockindiana.com
experienced performers brings together the vocal
Available from:
talents of brothers IAN and FRASER BRUCE along with https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-outside-looking-in
the exceptional musical skills of PETE CLARK on fiddle
All usual download and streaming sites (amazon /
and GREGOR LOWREY on accordion. It has to be said
Spotify / apple music / itunes / deezer etc…)
that IAN BRUCE is pretty efficient on guitar, to complete
Live dates:
the instrumental section.
Short acoustic set at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival,
near Inverness 5 Aug + possible Spanish dates later
Available from:
www.birnamcdshop.com
www.dropkickmusic.co.uk
www.fraserbruce.co.uk/auld-hat-new-heids

www.facebook.com/dropkickmusic
https://twitter.com/dropkickmusic

LOU McLEAN

album
cd / vinyl / download
Release Date: 24 March

Adriana Spina’s second album, released almost six years
after her first, is more raw and guitar-driven that its
predecessor. Let Out The Dark features Ross
McFarlane (Texas, The Proclaimers) on drums, and
comprises of ten songs which touch on themes from
lost love and infidelity to atheism and the refugee crisis.
Listen/Watch:
www.adrianaspina.com/music
www.soundcloud.com/adspina
www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com
Available from:
www.adrianaspina.com/shop
www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com
Also available via iTunes and all other popular download
sites from 24 March
www.adrianaspina.com
www.facebook.com/adrianaspinamusic
www.twitter.com/adrianamusic

scotland's new releases .....
album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download
WE CAME FROM WOLVES EVERING

The Peak Beneath the Sea

single / stream
Release Date: 5 May via Struck Dum Records.
We Came From Wolves latest single The Peak Beneath
The Sea is a bold, emotive alt rock track that sees the
Scottish four-piece bare their heart on their sleeves.
The track is due for release on 5th May 2017 via Struck
Dum Records. The band’s previous single, Places
Unfamiliar, addressed mental health issues such as
depression and anxiety, which some of the band have
experienced. However, The Peak Beneath The Sea
turns a corner as the band look towards the future,
finding a away to live with these issues.
Listen/Watch:
Links from 5 May
Available from:
www.wecamefromwolves.bandcamp.com
www.struckdumrecords.bandcamp.com
& iTunes/Spotify etc
Live dates:
http://wecamefromwolves.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/wecamefromwolves
https://twitter.com/WCFWmusic
www.youtube.com/wcfwtv

Beyond Oceans

EP (+single 'Driftwood' / download / stream
Release Date: 21 April
Beyond Oceans is the second EP release from Evering,
out on the 21st April 2017. This collection of four songs
grew out of the reality of being adrift in the aftermath
of the exit from a relationship. The EP songs, title and
cover art all capture a theme similar to the mindset held
at that time: Keep making a concious effort to avoid
dwelling on the bad bits and instead, persevere, point
yourself in a good direction and keep going until you
get to where you want to be.
Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com/everingmusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/Everingmusic
https://evering.bandcamp.com
single @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCUILVVs9fc
Available from:
https://evering.bandcamp.com
Live Dates:
www.everingmusic.com/live
www.everingmusic.com
www.facebook.com/everingmusic
https://twitter.com/everingmusic

LISA KOWALSKI
Free Spirits

EP
cd / download
Release Date: 21 April

Debut EP by 17 year old singer songwriter
from Paisley funded by Paisley 2021 City of
Culture bid and including four specially
selected songs which reflect Lisa's personal
and musical journey to date. Lyrics and
melodies to express feelings, responses
and reactions to people and places
encountered.
Listen/Watch:
www.facebook.com/pg/lisakowalskimusic/videos/
Available from:
Available on Spotify, I tunes and all major platforms.
CDs from Feel the Groove Records Paisley, New Hellfire
Club Glasgow
https://twitter.com/lkowalskimusic
www.facebook.com/lisakowalskimusic/

NORRIE McCULLOCH

JENNY STURGEON
EUGENE TWIST

Bare Along The Branches

The Wren and The Salt Air
album
cd / download / stream
Release Date: 17 February

‘The Wren And The Salt Air’ is a
collection of songs and tunes by
acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter
Jenny Sturgeon. It was written to
celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
Scottish archipelago of St Kilda
becoming a World Heritage Site for its
natural features. 'Musically superb,
absolutely fascinating and utterly
charming' Shire Folk.
Listen/Watch:
https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com

With a lyrical arena boasting whistleblowers,
extraterrestrials and self-cannibalisation,
Eugene Twist's highly anticipated second
album arrives with one mission: to let the
storyteller run riot inside the song. From
spat-out surrealism to politicised anthems
and mystical ballads, 'The Stuntman' is the
latest from the unbounded imagination of
Eugene Twist.
Listen/Watch:
https://eugenetwist.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/yooteeyoob
https://spoti.fi/2iut838
Available from:
http://bit.ly/et-album
http://apple.co/2iYEoWy
www.eugenetwist.bandcamp.com
www.eugenetwist.co.uk
www.facebook.com/eugenetwistmusic
www.twitter.com/EugeneTwist

album
cd / vinyl (tbc) / download / stream
Release Date: 24 February

Norrie McCulloch’s third full-length album in
as many years effortlessly merges folk,
country, americana and indie genres.
Recorded live to analogue tape with regular
collaborators: Dave McGowan (Teenage
Fanclub), Stuart Kidd and Marco Rea (The
Wellgreen), Iain Thompson (Bella Hardy
band) and Iain Sloan (Wynntown Marshals)
this is his most accomplished collection of
songs to date.
Listen/Watch:
www.soundcloud.com/norriemcculloch
www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com
www.norriemcculloch.com/music--video
Available from:
www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com
www.norriemcculloch.com/shop
(and most good independent record stores)
www. norriemcculloch.com

Putting down a marker for all rock bands in
2017, Thula Borah have produced one of the
best records you're likely to hear all year,
creating a sound that defies any one genre;
switching seamlessly from post-rock, posthardcore and dream-pop to grunge, indie-rock
and emo. Indeed, Thula Borah have taken
post-hardcore sensibilities and fuzzed out,
meaty riffs and amalgamated them with
catchy hooks that demand your attention.
Listen/Watch:
https://thulaborah.bandcamp.com
Available from:
https://thulaborah.bandcamp.com
www.thulaborah.com
https://thulaborah.bandcamp.com

RACHEL ALICE
JOHNSON
Name of release

EP
cd / download / stream
Release Date: 23 February
Since being selected for Creative Scotland's 'Verden
Studios Demo Project 15', Rachel Alice Johnson has
gone on to perform with her band at such venues as
the BBC Scotland Castle Tent and most recently at King
Tuts Wah Wah Hit. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Royal
Blood and The Black Keys, her debut EP '2AM'
transitions in to a new vibe of sultry rock and toll
combined with bass heavy electro-pop.

TEANNAICH
Energised

album
cd / download
Release Date: 9 December

Edinburgh Rock ceilidh band have
released their 2nd album Energised.
With this album Teannaich has brought
their unique band of high energy folk
rock ceilidh music from the stage to the
studio with 11 great tracks of music
which is both great for listening or
dancing to.

In January 2015, Rab Noakes was
diagnosed with tonsillar cancer.
Thirty radiotherapy sessions
ensued. The post-treatment
recovery included singing and, of
course, writing songs. Six of those
songs are on Rab’s new record.
There’s no self-pity though, here
you’ll find defiance, resilience,
love, support and, hopefully, wit.
Listen/Watch:
www.rabnoakes.com/shop
Available from:
www.rabnoakes.com
and all good online and high street stores
www.rabnoakes.com
https://twitter.com/rabnoakes

Out Of The Blue
EP
cd / download / stream
Release Date: Out Now

Guitar-Based Melodic Rock Music
from the North East Of Scotland.
Solid, chunky riffs with harmonised
leads with rolling bass lines and on
point drums. FFO Jimmy Eat World,
Ash, Green Day and Lifehouse.
Singles "Stay With Me" and "Waiting"
taken from "Out Of The Blue" EP.
Listen/Watch:
http://bit.ly/dm-waiting
http://bit.ly/dm-staywithme
http://bit.ly/dm-outoftheblue
Available from:
iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3, Google Play,
Deezer etc.
CD @ www.dannymortimer.co.uk

Debut video single from Alternative Rock
duo PYRO. These 17 year old lads from
Bathgate produce a wall of sound that
you would expect from a 5 piece band.
Connor leads on vocals from behind the
drums while Cameron uses one guitar
and few friends he calls pedals. A blend
of Royal Blood and Foo Fighters.
Listen/Watch:
YouTube: http://bit.ly/2hBB8My
https://soundcloud.com/pyromusicband
Available from:
itunes
Spotify
cdBaby
apple music
www.facebook.com/pyromusicband
https://twitter.com/pyromusicband
Email: emailpyromusic@gmail.com

A remarkable collaboration between
writer George Monbiot and musician
Ewan McLennan, seeking to use
music and word to open up the issue
of loneliness and bring people
together.
Listen/Watch:
www.youtube.com
https://soundcloud.com
Available from:
All usual outlets
www.ewanmclennan.co.uk
www.monbiot.com

LOUISE McVEY
& CRACKS IN THE
CONCRETE
Under The Heart

BRITTLE HEAD GIRL
Fall In Line

EP
cd / download / stream
Release Date: 28 October

An unsigned 4 piece indie rock band from Edinburgh.
Their influences are varied and include Swervedriver,
Ride, Redd Kross, Smashing Pumpkins, Therapy?, Girls
Against Boys, Helmet, Alice In Chains and Placebo to
Glasgow-based two-piece Louise McVey & Cracks name but a few. Their music has been described by
7Ahead as “…the raucousness of early Nirvana records
in the Concrete, Louise McVey (vocals) and
Graeme Miller (sound), met in a basement in 2009. jumps out and appears to be revitalised in BHG’s style.”
https://t.co/N11Ucdc4
McVey‘s sonorous vocals and Miller’s off kilter
album
cd / vinyl / download
Release Date: 5 December

We’ll Be Listening and
Remembering Until We’re Old
and Unsteady
EP
vinyl / download / stream
Release Date: 2 December

'We’ll Be Listening and Remembering Until We’re
Old and Unsteady’ is the third EP from Glasgow’s
Verse Metrics, a groove-driven 4 piece band with
a knack for writing twisty, turny alternative rock
songs. Expect post-rock instrumentation with
nontraditional song structures; and math-rock
subtleties as a bed for Bob Dick’s introspective
and often cryptic lyrics.
Listen/Watch:
http://soundcloud.com/versemetrics
http://versemetrics.bandcamp.com
http://youtube.com/versemetrics
Available from:
Vinyl - http://bit.ly/metricsvinyl
Download - http://bit.ly/listeningdl
iTunes - http://apple.co/2i59smR
www.versemetrics.com
www.facebook.com/versemetrics
http://twitter.com/versemetrics

Northern Sky
Soul Preacher

EP
cd / download / stream
Release Date: 16 December

Gilchrist are an Edinburgh band playing an
exciting fusion of rock, funk and soul. They
released their debut album ‘Funky
Philosophy’ in November 2014 and have
recently been working with award winning
producer Steve Power. They are to release 4
EPs over the next year starting with the
‘Soul Preacher’ EP which contains 3 tracks
mixed by Steve.
Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com/gilchrist-2/soul-preacher
https://soundcloud.com/gilchrist-2/river-of-tears
https://youtu.be/EDZBPoFI7A8
https://youtu.be/b4fID8urlzE
https://youtu.be/CnRZ0R29qoc
Available from:
https://itun.es/gb/V_BKgb
www.gilchristfunk.com
www.facebook.com/gilchristfunk
https://twitter.com/GilchristFunk

album
cd / download
Release Date: Out Now
Northern Sky is the eagerly awaited debut solo
album from Aberdeen musician Pete Coutts
(mandolin, guitar, vocals). This collection of
original Doric songs and tunes draws from the
cultural heritage and language of the North-East
whilst keeping its roots planted firmly in the
contemporary sound of traditional Scottish
music. Featuring some of Scotland’s finest
musicians including: Ali Hutton (pipes, whistles,
guitar), Jonny Hardie (fiddle), Brian McAlpine
(accordion), Martin O’Neill (bodhran). The album
weaves its way through a rich tapestry of tunes
and tales inspired by traditional life in North-East
Scotland’s fishing and farming communities
Listen/Watch:

The title of this latest release from
Richard Buchanan, former bass player
with 90’s Scottish under-achievers The
Lost Soul Band, is a mondegreen, or
misheard words. This unashamed pop
song describes a special, enduring
friendship with a fellow troubadour and
features an odd instrumental section.
Listen/Watch:
https://richardbuchanan.bandcamp.com/
Available from:
http://feersum.co.uk/
http://feersum.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/feersumMusic

album - cd / download
Release Date: Out Now

My new album The Seas Between Us is out now! It has
twelve old Scots and Gaelic songs, many of which I’ve
been singing since I was a little girl. It was recorded
and produced by Matheu Watson, who also played
several instruments (guitars, fiddle, mandolin, prepared
instruments, synth, organs, etc.) and features Fraser
Fifield (prepared whistle, lowland pipes, kaval), Jim
Rattigan (French horn), Ben Cashell (cello) and Findlay
Napier (voice). It was mixed by Leo Abrahams and
mastered by Iain Hutchison.
Listen/Watch:
www.youtube.com/user/sophrams/feed
https://soundcloud.com/sophie-ramsay

album - cd / download / stream
Release Dates:
CD Out Now / Download 31/10/16 / Steam 1/1/7
Hailing from The Shetland Islands, The Revellers are a
seven-piece juggernaut, that combine fiddle, mandolin
and tenor banjo with heavy metal, punk and alternative
rock rhythm section. The end result is something which
has been nicknamed by onlookers as ‘Heavy Folk Music’
or ‘Viking Metal’. The band release their second album
this autumn – ‘Skeletons’ with Tim Matthew (Lau/
Mystery Juice) at the helm and cameo appearances
from some of Shetland’s finest musicians (including
Arthur Nicholson and Kris Drever) and Danish multiinstrumentalist, Perry Stenback.
Listen/Watch:
www.the-revellers.com/category/videos/

Guillotine was launched on 10th oct
at Summerhall with a massive 19piece line-up including string and
brass sextets. This was the only way
to do the album justice. Guillotine is
the culmination of the band's 8 year
weekly residency at Edinburgh's
notorious Jazz Bar. This is definitely a
huge step up in Mike Kearney's
production and writing style. Enjoy!
Listen/Watch:
https://thekatet.bandcamp.com/
www.youtube.com/user/thekatetband
Available from:
https://thekatet.bandcamp.com/
www.thekatet.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thekatetband
https://twitter.com/thekatetband

Atlas
The Poets & The Beats
album
cd / download / stream
Release Date: Out Now

The Poets and the Beats from Musician /
producer Paul Armour (ex Seminal Glasgow Surf
Pop Band “The Cuban Heels") “The album is
very much a beat combo sound. Punchy with
grooves using classic retro instruments: Rhodes
Wurlitzer & Hammond, vintage amps and
guitars. The feel is a mix of styles, melodic &
rhythmic. Lyrically quirky with themes of hope
and renewal. A recent review from Rock Fm.
Scotland described the sound as “Weller-ish” but
more refined! It’s all in the ear of the beholder.
Enjoy the beats…”
Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com
www.youtube.com
Available from:
www.birnamcdshop.com
www.paularmour.co.uk
https://twitter.com/paul497191
www.facebook.com/paul.armour.31

album
cd / download / stream
Release Date: 3 October

"FAT-SUIT (“One of the best bands in British
music full stop” - Stephen Duffy, BBC Radio
Scotland) is on a collective journey through
music, using jazz as the point of departure
to explore a myriad of soundworlds. This
ensemble of rotating musicians release their
third album ‘Atlas’ which features ten brand
new compositions performed live by twenty
seven of the UK’s fnest and most in demand
musicians."
Listen/Watch:
www.facebook.com/pg/fatsuit/videos/
Available from:
http://fatsuit.bigcartel.com/product/atlas
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fatsuit13

Stories Untold is an intimate and inspiring
collection of original songs, tackling topics
including child soldiers, crime and punishment,
loss, and love in its many forms. Early
responses have been positive, with five stars
from Spiral Earth, and album of the week from
Iain Anderson and Celtic Music Radio.

‘Crossing Borders’ was a Celtic Connections commission
in 2015 written for a nine piece ensemble and
represents Graham's musical journey to date, reflecting
on places, people and musical styles that have
influenced him and his music. The piece draws on
vibrant Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton styles and is
written in four sections, each highlighting one of these
cultures. It brings together a fusion of traditional and
classical styles in his own composition.

album - cd / download / stream
Release Date: Out Now

This Girl, This Woman is the debut album by 57-yearold singer Jude Adams, who discovered her talent
following a life-changing M.E. diagnosis. The album,
which Jude describes as soulful pop with a 60s twist,
contains 10 tracks all written and sung by Jude, and
produced and arranged by musician Janette Mason.
Jude comments: " I always loved to sing, and I always
did, but behind closed doors. It was only when I got to
50 that I summoned the courage to start singing in
public. And then two years later I was diagnosed with
M.E. Performing, work and many ways in which I lived
my life had to stop or change significantly. It was
debilitating, but led to a lot of personal reflection, and
ultimately the silver lining of discovering a passion for
songwriting."
Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com/judeadamssings
Available from:
www.birnamcdshop.com // www.amazon.co.uk
iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Spotify
www.judeadamssings.net
https://twitter.com/thelittlefunky

Don’t miss this edgy new sound
from Scotland’s Heather
Dickson. 'Harley Honey' was
recorded in Nashville, the home
of country music but the heart
of the song is rock n roll!
Listen/Watch:
www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherdickson22
Available from:
www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherdickson22
www.heatherdickson.co.uk
www.facebook.com/hdickson37
Download on iTunes
www.heatherdickson.co.uk
www.facebook.com/hdickson37
https://twitter.com/dicksonh40

Listen/Watch:
www.youtube.com/user/Graham30771

Available from:
Available from:
From release from iTunes and other download stores
and also in all good record stores through Proper Music iTunes and
www.grahammackenziemusic.com/shop/
Distribution and www.kimedgar.com/music

HEATHER DICKSON

single
cd / download
Release Date:
22 October

album
cd
Release Date: 9 September

Fine ’n’ Rosy

album
cd / vinyl / download / stream
Release Date: Out Now
Born and brought up in Inverness, Liza has been
involved in folk music for many years. Although
classically trained in piano, her family background of a
big Glasgow-Irish clan of musicians and singers on her
father's side, and the Gaelic song tradition of her
mother's Isle of Lewis heritage, inevitably meant a
strong pull towards the folk scene. On her first solo
album of original songs and tunes, Fine 'n' Rosy, Liza
brings together some top players, including cousin,
Rua Macmillan, winner of Radio Scotland Young
Traditional Musician Of the Year 2009, Alasdair Taylor
of the Folk Award-winning band, The Elephant
Sessions, and Robin Abbot of The Mystic Shoes. This
intimate album comprises reflective ballads and
uptempo songs with catchy choruses, complemented
by rollicking trad-style tunes and dreamy
instrumentals.

album - cd / download - Release Date: 17
October
Nature Flow is the third album from Scots
producer Paul Croan using his Alex Tronic
name. This cd titles as Alex Tronic versus Leith
Bass Team. Leith Bass Team is another outlet for
some of Paul’s material that features guest
musicians namely Matthew Leigh Embleton
( Snakestyle). The cd also features long time
vocal collaborator Kirsty Brown and new
contributions from Polina Domnina and Scots
chanteuse Georgia Gordon.
Listen/Watch:
https://soundcloud.com/leith-bass-team
Available from:
On release from all Major digital stores including
Beatport, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and on CD
from Amazon, Pyshop , www.alextronic.co.uk
and all good record stores

To Be Free is an interim project - in between
albums number one and two - for Glasgow's
Martha L. Healy. Including two originals and
two of Martha's favourite country classics, the
EP was recorded with her band over a snowy
weekend in Glasgow in January 2016.
Listen/Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K__HHP3zq1w
Available from:
www.marthalhealy.com
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/to-be-free-ep/
id1148312525
plus Amazon + other sites
www.marthalhealy.com
www.facebook.com/marthalhealy
https://twitter.com/MarthaLHealy

The song was written by singer/songwriter John
Faulkner and was first recorded in 1993 on the album
Solid Ground by Dolores Keane. Mary K’s version was
recorded at Gaf Studios in New Inn, Co Tipperary and
was arranged and produced by award winning musician
and producer Fran Curry and engineered mixed &
mastered by Joe Gallagher. It has been a busy year for
Mary K with the successful single” I’ll accept the rose”
and her second album “Sweet is the melody”. Mary K
has also finished the recording of her self-penned
album which is attracting a lot of attention particularly
in The United States.

single
download
Release Date: Out Now

Edinburgh based trio Stillhound announce the release of
‘Bury Everything’ along with single and album opener
‘Spring Conscious,’ a vast and soaring pop track with
Foals-esque guitar intricacies and towering chorus.
Consisting of Fergus Cook, Laurie Corlett-Donald and
Dave Lloyd, the band take inspiration from art,
geography and the far flung soundscapes of their
homeland, creating an avant-pop record with glacial
electronics and packed with unashamed synth pop
moments.

GET YOUR NEW RELEASE LISTED!
If you’d like your new release to be included in the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘New Release’ section
and ALSO be in with a chance of being picked for the MNS Top 4 spot then send it to:
New Releases, MUSIC NEWS Scotland, Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF
If only available as download then email link to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
Email (as above) information about your new release for our listings, which should be in the format below:

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOP
'Record Store Day 2017' was on 22 April : www.recordstoreday.co.uk
We encourage you to support independent record shops in Scotland : A selection of popular ones are below. If you run or have a favourite shop not listed please let us know and we'll happily include it.

No matter how small or new
your festival is we want to list it!!
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

Scottish Music Festivals
to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER

coast – in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty musical acts performing on two stages the
overlooking Holy Island.
festival has been extended to three days and
finishes later each evening. Most of the festival
www.lindisfarnefestival.com
is under canvas including the three stages and
there is not a single drop of mud to be found
anywhere. So forget the wellies, the weather can
rain or shine the BOWFest experience is always
amazing.
Bathgate, West Lothian

Midstock Festival
Dalkeith
1-2 September

Party in the Park

Midstock is an independent, bespoke festival
which we started in order to provide the Lothians
community with a great event on their
doorsteps. This is still at the core of what we’re
trying to do but we have seen the festival
expand somewhat and we’ve welcomed people
from all over the country in the last couple of
years. Maybe word is out that we like a good
party here in Midlothian!”
www.midstockfestival.com

Electric Fields
Drumlanrig Castle
1-2 September 2017

3 September
Now in its 7th year ‘Party in the Park’ music
festival and family fun day is a great day out for
music lovers with families, held in Bathgate’s
Kirkton Park. There is a main stage and acoustic
stage with music on both throughout the day
from 11am to 6pm with free entry and no ticket
required. A real mix of music from local bands
and artists to those further afield. This is no
ticket required and no entry fee and as this is
geared towards familys there is a strict no
alcohol policy.

www.facebook.com/partyinthepark

Nestling in the beautiful surroundings of
Drumlanrig Castle, south west Scotland. We’ve
been working really hard to top last year and
we’re pretty excited about this summer, as well
as having some brand new developments. One
of the most exciting music festivals in Scotland
returns in 2016, over two days in the stunning
grounds of Drumlanrig Castle!
www.facebook.com/electricfieldsfestival

NXNE Scotland
Deeside Activity Park
1-2 September

Linlithgow Folk Festival
Linlithgow
6-10 September

Perth Music Expo 2017

www.facebook.com/DeesideMusicFestival

www.facebook.com/perthmusicexpo

Blas Festival

True North

Highlands
1-9 September

Aberdeen
7-10 September

The Blas festival aims to play a role in
celebrating the culture of traditional music and
Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland. Blas will do
this in part by creating the opportunities for
young musicians to play and learn with leading
artists in traditional music and Gaelic. Blas will
also widen the opportunities for communities to
experience and enjoy live music and Gaelic
performances which support their culture.

True North is Aberdeen’s music festival - located
at the heart of the city, the festival features the
contemporary music industry’s most interesting,
relevant and exciting artists. Taking place
between Thursday 7 - Sunday 10 September,
the 2017 festival features a series of unique
headline performances in city centre venues, a
Fringe programme of free intimate gigs across
the city, a chance to be inspired by our
masterclass and discussion programme, an
amazing gig for kids, and an opportunity to get
up close and personal with festival artists.

Northumberland
2-4 September

Perth
7 September
The fourth of edition of Perth Music Expo is
proud to announce their biggest line-up yet
taking place on the 7 September, across 3
venues: Imax Playhouse, The Twa Tams and The
Green Room. The free festival starts at Imax
Playhouse at 6pm with a music industry panel
with special guests.

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth

Best of the West Festival

Building on the success of the last two years,
Lindisfarne Festival 2017 is gearing up to be an
even bigger and better showcase of music,
comedy, culture and creative arts as they
announce The Fratellis as their first mainstage
headliner. A regularly shortlisted finalist at the
UK Festival Awards, this year’s event will be held
once again at Beal Farm on the Northumberland

Edinburgh
23 September

Listen, Learn, Riot! DAREFest at The Wee Red
Bar is a one day event set up by Lou Mclean and
Ashley Stein, two musicians who met at Girl’s
Rock School Edinburgh. Inspired by the
phenomenal talent coming out of their local
music scene but still unimpressed with the
industries attitude towards women, they decided
to start a one day festival designed to empower
all women to take on the Scottish music scene.
Throughout a day of workshops run by Lou,
Ashley and the brilliant Speaking Out Project
(part of Scottish Women's Aid) this event will be
focused on building up resilience and skills for
music performance & feminist activism.

Doricana Fest

NXNE Scotland is a 2 day festival celebrating the
best of everything in the North East of Scotland!
With some of the best bands from the North X
North East coming to play for you all, here’s just
a few of them, many more to be announced over
the next couple of weeks:
Gerry Jablonski//The Lorelei//The Little Kicks//
The Cliftons//Wish You Were Floyd//Gordon
James And The Power //The Capollos//Miss
Lucid // Paul Anderson. We have lots more to tell
you soon, so watch this space! Deeside Activity
Park//Captain Toms//Fat Hippy Records

Lindisfarne Festival

DAREFest

Some of Scotland’s most exciting young
traditional musicians will take centre stage at
this year’s Linlithgow Folk Festival in September www.darefestedinburgh.com
and the organisers are claiming that the event
will be the biggest and best yet. As well as the
headline act Barluath – who are a diverse and
innovative young Glasgow-based band – the five Stonehaven
days of the Festival will also see appearances by 23 September
emerging talent.
www.linlithgowfolk.com

www.blas-festival.com

www.bowfest.co.uk

Inveraray
8-10 September

The festival is now arguably Scotland's finest
boutique festival, one where music and food
lovers from the world over gather to celebrate
the very best in Scottish music, food and drink.
As well as a stunning line-up of 21 different

One day music festival based in the NE of
Scotland showcasing the countries finest
Americana / Roots / Country and Acoustic acts.
www.doricanafest.co.uk

Cumnock Tryst Festival
Cumnock, New Cumnock
and Auchinleck
28 September - 1 October

Sir James MacMillan announced the programme
for the 2017 Cumnock Tryst at a special event in
the Dumfries Arms and the launch also featured
a performance by Folk trio, Kilda, presented in
partnership with Live Music Now Scotland. The
fourth annual Cumnock Tryst Festival will take
place in venues across Cumnock, New Cumnock
and Auchinleck, and in Dumfries House between
28 September and 1 October.
www.thecumnocktryst.com

Loopallu

Ullapool
29-30 September
On paper they said it wouldn’t work, a festival in
late September in a remote village on the West
Coast of Scotland 60 miles from the nearest
town, but that was ten years ago. 2017 sees a
few changes for our friendly, small (but we
thank perfectly formed) festival enter its enters
its thirteenth year. Moving to the Pier in the
centre of the village, still expect another year of
fun regardless of what the weather has to say
about it. Another year making new friends, and
catching up with old ones. Follow us on social
media to see who’s going join the ranks that
include Paolo Nutini, Mumford and Sons, Twin
Atlantic, The Stranglers and Franz Ferdinand
who have graced our little stage. You’ll just have
to come and see…
www.loopallu.co.uk

Krafty Brew Presents EH6 with Alabama 3, Big
country, Space and more bringing EH6 to Leith
for the very first time this October.This is a live
So why is the UGF so special? Perhaps it’s the
music, food and drink festival in Leith, our aim is
mix of music old and new, of electric and
Glasgow
to try to bring some big names as well as all the
acoustic,
of
steel
and
nylon,
of
seasoned
30 September
performers and those, like the students from the best talent in Scotland. We are announcing the
food and drink line up next month as well as a
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, just starting
Tenement TV - the team behind Scotland’s
couple of more acts each months. The festival
out
on
their
careers.
Perhaps
it’s
the
location
on
biggest and best platform for music discovery features over 100 in band in more than 10
Loch Broom and the drive up through some of
are delighted to reveal 20 new bands joining
Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Perhaps it’s different venues in Leith and is designed so that
their city music festival line-up. Fresh from
people travel throughout the whole of leith
the informal air of the whole weekend: there’s
playing TRNSMT festival at the weekend, Louis
stopping at various business throughout the
Berry, Clean Cut Kid, Neon Waltz and Vistas join no “us and them”, no VIP area. Everyone
mingles, and you’re likely to find yourself sitting whole weekend and seeing the best of Leith. We
an array of amazing talent. These new bands
will have craft stalls, art exhibitions, food from
beside a guitar legend in the Festival Club – or
join the already announced headliners, The
all over the world, a beer market where all of
Temperance Movement who are set to shake the even jamming with them on one of the trade
Scotland’s finest breweries will be, children's
stands.
walls of the 02 ABC on Saturday 30 September
entertainment, a massive variety or music from
2017.
House to Gaelic and much more.
www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com
www.tenementtv.com
www.facebook.com/EH6festival

Tenement Trail

Spree Festival

OCTOBER

Paisley
13-22 October

Glasgow Americana
Glasgow
4-8 October

Glasgow's annual celebration of Americana
brings musicians from as far afield as Texas and
Canada to perform roots music from blues to
rockabilly. Austin-based Slaid Cleaves has the
honour of being the first act to be named for
2017’s Glasgow Americana Festival.
www.glasgowamericana.com

Ullapool Guitar Festival
Ullapool

Sonica

The bill has been announced for Paisley’s Spree
festival – featuring a one-off collaboration
between Scottish indie act Frightened Rabbit and
the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Paisley
Abbey. The festival of music, comedy, theatre
and more – which will take over the town centre
between 13 and 22 October – is now in its sixth
year and is part of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of
Culture 2021.
www.thespree.co.uk

EH6

Leith
21-22 October

Glasgow
26 October - 5 November
The full programme has been announced for
Sonica 2017, Cryptic's biennial festival in
Glasgow of the best in visual sonic art from
around the world. 40+ international artists from
14 countries across 5 continents will present
work from 26 October to 5 November - from
opera in shopping mall windows to a chorus of
megaphones across Kelvingrove Park, Sonica
brings innovative, unmissable art to all corners
of Glasgow. The programme boasts 13 UK
premieres, 4 world premieres and 8 Cryptic
commissions
www.sonic-a.co.uk